AT&T Sells iPhones Online, Again

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AT&T Sells iPhones Online, Again

The iPhone 3G is at last available online. US customers can now order any version of the iPhone from AT&T's site and have it shipped to their home, whereupon they can activate the handset using iTunes. You know, just like the old, first-gen iPhone.

There is, though, one important difference. The 1G iPhone was a dream for resellers and unlockers because it came unencumbered with a contract. The new scheme requires that you sign up for a two year plan with AT&T before the company will send it to you. The home activation part seems to be little different to the need to hook up any iPod to iTunes before using it.

Still, it means that you can shop from the warmth and comfort of home instead of trekking down to the AT&T store for the full, frustrating shopping experience. You still can't buy online from Apple. The sign-up process there remains the same: You can order and choose a plan, but you still need to visit an Apple store to get the iPhone.